How to select the best German language class for you

German has become one of the most popular choices among foreign language learners in India. In an official study from 2015, about 1,50,000 Indians were learning German. With the increased interest in studying and working in Germany, this number is likely to have significantly grown till today.

Against this
backdrop, it’s not surprising that a growing number of language course
providers have entered the market, each one promising to teach you German in
the best, fastest and most effective way. Language schools, online classes, gamified
apps, on-demand courses, YouTube channels, private tutors… the choices are endless and can be
overwhelming at times. So how do you find the right German language class for
you?

Of course, each
of us has different preferences when it comes to learning. However, there are a
few aspects that can give you an idea about the quality of the class. Here are
our top 5 things to look at when choosing a German language course.

1.
Ease of access

Speaking a
language is a skill, and to acquire a new skill, you need to learn consistently.
Thus, you should make sure that you can attend the class on a frequent basis.
For online classes, that is relatively easy, provided you have a stable
internet connection and a quiet place to actually focus on the class while it’s
going on. If you prefer an offline class, check where and when the class takes
place. You should be able to accommodate the commute and class time comfortably
in your schedule. Inconvenient class timings may lead to you being tempted to
skip a class every now and then. It can also lead to you being too rushed or
tired – not a great condition for effective learning.

2.
Course content

Once you’ve shortlisted a few realistic options, have a closer look at what you are actually learning in the course. If you are planning to appear for a German language certification, such as the Goethe Zertifikat or the Österreichisches Sprachdiplom Deutsch (ÖSD), compare the course contents with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Does the course curriculum correspond to the CEFR? This includes looking out for a healthy balance of vocabulary and grammar. Many language apps are great for improving your vocab, but they may lack in teaching you the grammatical foundation in a structured manner. Finally, check on the number of hours of the course and ensure that it’s a realistic time frame for the stated learning objectives.

3. Student
engagement

To learn German
efficiently, practice is important. Therefore, besides the question of what you
are going to learn, how you are going to learn can make a big difference with
regard to your communication capabilities at the end of the course. Look at how
interactive the course is designed:

Are
there exercises and games to directly apply the learning?

Will
you get feedback on speaking and writing?

Will
you be able to interact with other learners?

Is
the group size small enough to give you plenty of in-class practice time?

Remember: Only
if you have a chance to make mistakes and be corrected, will you be able to
improve.

4.
Teacher qualification

German isn’t the easiest language – especially the pronunciation. When you are only starting out learning German, you want to make sure that your teacher has well-rounded knowledge of the language. It’s a red flag if your teacher himself (or herself) has only completed an intermediate level of German or may not have official certifications. But knowing the language is only half the job. A good German teacher also knows how to teach the language well. You can check the instructor’s teaching qualification through specialised teaching certificates, such as a German degree specialised on didactics or the Grünes Diplom, the German teacher certification by the Goethe-Institut.

4.
Additional practice opportunities

There’s only one way to master German: Practice, practice, practice –
even outside of the classroom! Check which additional exposure the course
provider gives to students,
which is not only restricted to the curriculum. These may be facilities such as
self-learning content, a library with German material, or events such as
excursions, meetups or contests etc.

5. References

Nothing gives
you better insight about the quality of a class like the people who experienced
it. Ask people who completed the course to give you their reviews: How well do
they speak German now? If they appeared for an examination, did they feel well
prepared? And most importantly: Did they have fun while learning?

If your course
ticks all these boxes, the chances are high that they will enable you to learn
German in no time.

How to select the best German language class for you

Categories

Follow Us:

Our Services

Recognition needs, chances, and strategies

Recognition procedures

Adjustment courses

Job search and application

Living and working in Germany

ProRecognition is a project of the Indo-German Chamber of Commerce, which is sponsored by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research. We offer free-of-cost consulting services on recognition and work in Germany to professionals of all academic and vocational backgrounds